By Joe Rukin
An online concelling service has been launched by the Heads of University Counselling Services (HUCS). Dealing with all the issues that students can face, Christopher Butler, the HUCS webmaster explained the motivation for setting up www.studentcounselling.org
"We noticed that there were pages of invaluable information on specific university websites. Some problems, like homesickness, aren't really dealt with anywhere else on the web, and although most students have internet access, they don't want to spend hours searching for help if they're already upset. Therefore we brought it together in one place."
Independent, Student counselling: Emotional rescue
At the same time the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has set up a debt helpline for students. It aims to supplement the work of student union advice centers and help prevent students from giving up study because of debt. The freephone number is 0800 328 1813 and is open 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday. CCCS Chairman, Malcolm Hurlston said:
"There are indications that students are panicking about mounting debts and feel obliged to drop out and start earning 'real money'. Wherever possible, we want to prevent this and help everyone to reach their full potential. We need to balance helping students to fund their education without leaving them to start their working lives overburdened by debt."
Amy Brown said
"If people want to, we can set up debt repayment plans, just negotiating with creditor, freezing interests, providing budgets to avoid courts. In case of students, if they have no income they shouldn't be thinking about repayment, just budgeting. Money matters. Where we help is in coaching for talking to banks and credit companies while students are still in education and giving information on grants and bursaries.
BBC, Student debt helpline opens
Here are the top tips for students from the CCCS
1. Make sure that you obtain the entitlement which you need from the Student Loans company. You only get a chance to apply twice in each academic year. Check out what is available on its website on www.slc.co.uk.
2. If you get a job, make sure that you are paying the right tax. You can earn up to £4,615 without being taxed, so make sure your employer knows this and pays you correctly from the start. Get a P38 tax exemption form from your local tax office.
3. Budget. Boring but true a budget plan before you go to university can really help. Write down all your expenditure: rent, bills, food and clothes, travel and of course socialising. Be realistic, then add 10 per cent to the total to cover unexpected costs. Will your income from grants, loans etc cover this? Do you need to think about a getting a job to help out?
4. Check out student bank accounts - you must have a bank account to receive a loan. Often banks offer attractive overdraft rates to students. Don't be swayed by gimmicky offers but choose the one which offers the best terms and conditions.
5. Check out bursaries. Finding out if you're eligible takes a lot of research. Some universities offer more than others, so check out what's available - your welfare officer or library should have the details. There are a number of directories which list bursaries that should be available at libraries. These are: A Guide to University Scholarships and Awards by Brian Heap (Trotman & Company), The Educational Grants Directory (published by the Directory of Social Change), Scholarships for Students (Hobsons) and The Grants Register (Macmillan).
6. Credit cards - be very wary of credit cards. Always look for the best rate and pay the minimum monthly payment at the very least. If you default on credit card payments now it means that you will have a bad credit record when you graduate, which can have serious implications - it could even affect your employability.
7. Travel off-peak whenever you can - fares are much lower. Remember to check out student discounts.
If you are worried seek help from the Student Debtline on 0800 328 1813. This is run by the UK's leading debt charity, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service and there is no charge for its services. Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
